IMPACTS OF GEOPHYSICAL SEISMIC SURVEY VEHICLES ON PADRE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE VEGETATION

Vehicular impacts from geophysical seismic surveys on plant survival a nd regrowth were evaluated in five plant communities (low coastal sand s, shoregrass flats, salty sands, marsh and lateral dunes) on Padre Is land National Seashore during 1988 and 1989. Vegetative cover was init ially reduced in all communities by multi-track vehicles. Vegetation r ecovery to original diversity was estimated at 18-24 months and recove ry to original density was estimated to be in excess of 18-24 months. Plant communities most affected by seismographic truck damage were the least vegetated ones. The results of this study conclude that there w as no permanent damage to the vegetation of any community impacted by multi-track vehicles.